What Is the Best Format to Write the OSCP Exam Report? Complete Guidelines & Sample PDF

Table of Contents

• Why Is the OSCP Exam Report Important?
• What Should an OSCP Exam Report Include?
• What Is the Recommended OSCP Report Format?
• Best Practices for Writing Your OSCP Exam Report
• How to Create a PDF OSCP Exam Report
• Download a Sample OSCP Exam Report PDF
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The OSCP exam report is a critical component that demonstrates your understanding and successful completion of the penetration test during the OSCP exam. Writing a clear, concise, and comprehensive report is just as important as exploiting vulnerabilities during the exam itself. This blog guides you through the essential steps, format, and best practices to create an effective OSCP exam report that impresses evaluators and maximizes your chances of passing.

Access the full OSCP Exam Report prepared by Ethical Hacking Training Institute for real-world insights and formatting guidelines.

Download OSCP Exam Report (PDF)

Why Is the OSCP Exam Report Important?

The OSCP certification evaluates not only your hacking skills but also your ability to document and communicate your findings professionally. The exam report:

• Provides evidence of your exploitation and enumeration steps.

• Explains the technical details clearly.

• Shows your thought process and methodology.

• Includes recommendations for fixing vulnerabilities.

• Is mandatory for certification acceptance.

What Should an OSCP Exam Report Include?

To write a successful OSCP exam report, it must contain the following key sections:

• Executive Summary: High-level overview of the penetration test.

• Methodology: The tools and techniques used.

• Target Information: IP addresses, OS details, and target descriptions.

• Enumeration: Steps and commands used for information gathering.

• Vulnerability Identification: List of found vulnerabilities.

• Exploitation: Detailed exploitation process.

• Post-Exploitation: Privilege escalation and system control.

• Recommendations: Security fixes and mitigation strategies.

• Appendices: Raw data, screenshots, and scripts.

What Is the Recommended OSCP Report Format?

Below is a sample format for the OSCP exam report, including an example for one target machine.

Executive Summary

This penetration test targeted four machines within a controlled lab environment. The objective was to identify vulnerabilities, exploit them, and demonstrate privilege escalation. Key findings include critical remote code execution vulnerabilities and privilege escalation vectors on multiple targets.

Methodology

The testing methodology included:

• Reconnaissance using Nmap for port scanning.

• Service enumeration with tools like Nikto and Gobuster.

• Exploitation using Metasploit and manual techniques.

• Post-exploitation privilege escalation via kernel exploits.

Target Information

Enumeration

Target: Machine 3 - 192.168.1.20

Command used:

nmap -sV -p- 192.168.1.20

Output Summary:

• Ports 22 (SSH), 80 (HTTP), and 3306 (MySQL) are open.

• SSH running OpenSSH 7.6p1.

• Apache HTTP Server 2.4.29.

Vulnerability Identification

• Apache HTTP Server 2.4.29 vulnerable to CVE-2017-5638 (Remote Code Execution).

• MySQL version vulnerable to weak authentication bypass.

Exploitation

Target: Machine 3 - Apache RCE Exploit

Step-by-step:

1. Sent crafted HTTP request exploiting CVE-2017-5638.

2. Obtained remote shell access.

3. Verified shell access by listing directory contents:

ls -la

Screenshot:

Post-Exploitation

• Enumerated user privileges with:

id

• Found root-level access after exploiting a kernel vulnerability:

uname -a
sudo -l

Recommendations

• Upgrade Apache HTTP Server to the latest secure version.

• Implement strong password policies for MySQL.

• Regularly patch the Linux kernel to mitigate privilege escalation vulnerabilities.

Appendices

• Nmap raw scan output.

• Exploit scripts used.

• Additional screenshots.

Best Practices for Writing Your OSCP Exam Report

• Be clear and concise: Use bullet points and short paragraphs.

• Include all commands and outputs: Proof of your work is essential.

• Add screenshots: Visual evidence supports your explanations.

• Use proper formatting: Tables, headings, and code blocks improve readability.

• Proofread carefully: Errors can reduce professionalism.

How to Create a PDF OSCP Exam Report

• Use Microsoft Word or Google Docs to structure your report.

• Insert headings, tables, code snippets, and screenshots.

• Export or save your file as a PDF to maintain formatting.

• Ensure your PDF is well-organized and easy to navigate.

Download a Sample OSCP Exam Report PDF

You can view my OSCP Sample Exam Report here:

📄 Click here to view the OSCP Sample Exam Report

Conclusion

Writing the OSCP exam report is a vital step in passing the certification. By following this detailed report format and best practices, you can present your findings clearly and professionally, demonstrating your penetration testing skills and boosting your chances to earn the OSCP certification.

If you want more tips or personalized help creating your OSCP exam report, feel free to reach out or explore the ethical hacking training institute for expert guidance.

FAQs 

What is the OSCP exam report, and why is it important?

The OSCP exam report documents your penetration test findings and is required to demonstrate your skills for certification. It shows your exploitation steps, vulnerabilities, and mitigation advice.

How should I format the OSCP exam report?

Use sections like Executive Summary, Methodology, Target Information, Enumeration, Exploitation, Post-Exploitation, Recommendations, and Appendices, with clear headings and detailed descriptions.

Can I include screenshots in my OSCP report?

Yes, screenshots provide visual proof of your exploitation steps and strengthen your report’s credibility.

Is there a recommended file format for submitting the OSCP report?

The OSCP exam report is typically submitted as a well-structured PDF to ensure formatting consistency.

Are command outputs necessary in the OSCP report?

Including command outputs is essential to prove your penetration testing methodology and results.

Where can I find a sample OSCP exam report?

You can download a free sample OSCP exam report PDF from reputable training resources or ethical hacking institutes.

How long should the OSCP exam report be?

The length varies but should be comprehensive enough to cover all exploited targets, steps, and recommendations clearly and concisely.

Can I use automated tools for generating the OSCP report?

You can use tools to assist but always manually verify and explain each step clearly in your report.

What mistakes should I avoid in the OSCP exam report?

Avoid vague explanations, missing screenshots, incorrect commands, and poor formatting.

Does a well-written OSCP report improve certification chances?

Yes, clear and thorough documentation is critical for passing the OSCP exam and gaining certification.